For all you street and doc photographers, here’s some essential advice from the co-editors of the Times‘ Lens blog. It’s really simple: be respectful of the person in front of the camera. That’s it. Don’t treat people like symbols or little figurines that conflate reality to your creative aims. I especially like David Gonzalez’ illustration of this point. He realizes that a subject, environment, or culture can’t be represented completely by one photographer, never mind one photograph.

But I will admit these two editors seem a little grumpy, with their too-cynical-for-nerve clear sightedness and all. I can imagine them at an after work happy hour, or afterhours dinner, holding a table down, while us younger folks — young bloods like me — smile then drink to our nativity and wonderful self-importance, knowing most of us will end up just like them. That’s why their points should be shared.

Because what’s the point of capturing a moment if you’re not aware of your own impulses/intent?